Argo 6x6 on frozen lakes

[Randydb41]

I just bought a 2007 6x6 with 23 hp Briggs.
Wondering how much ice is needed to run on a lake?
And how hard is it to get out if you break through?

[Randydb41]

Sorry... forgot to mention it has 18" rubber tracks with cleats.

[curtisbyrne]

not sure but please equip with lots of rope and ice pik or anchor if the Argo decides to fall through ice.!ENSURE DRAIN PLUGS ARE IN PLACE!

[mowbizz]

I just bought a 2007 6x6 with 23 hp Briggs.
Wondering how much ice is needed to run on a lake?
And how hard is it to get out if you break through?

You could probably get out on 3-4” of black ice but 6” + would be ideal.
Ice is NEVER predictable so if no one has ventured out before YOU, do yourself a favor and get a chisel and check the ice as you go...just because an Argo floats doesn’t mean you can’t get in trouble and risk your or others lives! (Rescue people risk their lives too) your tracks would help immensely in my opinion.

[mowbizz]

I’m going out with a 6x6 too but we have over a foot of ice already in NH.
However, I do not have tracks yet so this should be interesting on how the Argo will perform. There is a coating of snow over the ice so that will help.

[john swenson]

as on mud or snow...the tracks give a larger footprint to spread the weight, but the tracks add more weight. hopefully if you broke thru you would just float in the water. i think the hard part can be trying to grip and get back on the ice or hopefully keep breaking it in front of you on the way back to shore . it's sure much better if someone else has been out in a heavier machine and had no problems. johnboy va.

[John8x8hdi]

I would be careful driving on ice. Make sure it's thick and doesn't look sketchy.

[Fibylion]

I'm comfortable on the ice with a snowmobile when there is 6" of GOOD ice, technically you only really need 4 but if you wait for 6 it makes up for spots that may not be as though etc, a quad, which has about the same weight as an Argo (if not more, mine anyways) I prefer 8", but have had to pull back a snowmobile with 6" before or so, I don't like to though. If you have a which, I believe there are tools that you can drill in the ice and you can winch out with it.

[Randydb41]

I do have plenty of rope and a winch on front. I made an "ice anchor" out of a 3/8" thick x 2" wide x 16" long with an eye bolt in the center that I could slip down a hole to winch myself out if needed. The one issue I may encounter is getting out to make the hole !! LOL.
I will wait for the 5"/6" thick ice I think.
Thanks for all you inputs.

[mowbizz]

I do have plenty of rope and a winch on front. I made an "ice anchor" out of a 3/8" thick x 2" wide x 16" long with an eye bolt in the center that I could slip down a hole to winch myself out if needed. The one issue I may encounter is getting out to make the hole !! LOL.
I will wait for the 5"/6" thick ice I think.
Thanks for all you inputs.

Good plan!

[Canadian_Zuk]

Meh, anything more than 2" of black ice is good enough for me. that said, I've gone through the ice many times lol. If you go through the ice it can be a pain to get back on top, I've actually never managed to drive back onto the ice after going through. I've had to winch or be pulled out every time. Once you go through it's like trying to drive out of a big bucket that isn't completely full of water. I always make sure my winch is working properly and also carry two 50 foot line extensions and and my Ice anchor with me.

[mowbizz]

Put out our ice shack today and first time for the Argo on the ice...mostly flat wth some wind blown drifts but no problem for the Frontier Scout. Will be back at it tomorrow for some fishing, finally!
A few pics of the setup

[scimanstev]

I love the top. Mine should finally be here this weekend. I have done a lot of riding, but I will do much more once the top is installed. The screens look great!

Steve

[mowbizz]

I love the top. Mine should finally be here this weekend. I have done a lot of riding, but I will do much more once the top is installed. The screens look great!

Steve

The tops offer great protection from the elements, Steve. After riding open 4 wheelers and snow machines, this is like riding in luxury! Post some pics when you get the top installed!

[ve1sar]

Hi. If you want to know how to get a Argo out of the water if it went through ice there videos available on this site. I don't know where??
OK. If your Argo goes through the ice the easy way to get is out is backwards. When an Argo floats it is heavy in the front because of engine weight.
So when you bring the front up against the ice the tires or tracks do not touch the ice wall. The back of the Argo will be higher and easier yo pull the Argo out.
So you will need cable retches more than one tied together. you will have to have extra cables and a way to put an anchor point into the ice. You may need 2 long poles that you could use as a ramp to slide the Argo up on if the water shallow. These could also could be used under the front. No matter witch way yo want to do this it will not be easy. The important thing is make sure the ice is safe. Stay away from any running water as the ice in these areas would be thin. Hope this helps. Paul